A fire broke out on the left wing of an airplane, causing its engine to detach before the aircraft crashed and exploded in flames on Tuesday. The initial findings of the investigation into the incident, which claimed several lives, were disclosed today. Authorities in Louisville, Kentucky, revealed that numerous families have reported missing relatives in the aftermath of the tragedy.
According to Todd Inman from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a significant fire erupted in the left wing after the plane was cleared for takeoff. The NTSB is leading the inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and the engine detachment, a process expected to span over a year.
Preliminary data suggests that the plane managed to gain sufficient altitude to clear the runway boundary before going down near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Surveillance footage from the airport captured the moment the engine separated from the wing during takeoff. Both the cockpit voice recorder, data recorder, and the detached engine were recovered from the crash site.
The scattered debris field spans approximately half a mile, making the search for survivors challenging. An aviation attorney noted that the plane, over three decades old, was carrying a large amount of fuel, acting as a potential hazard due to the fire. The resulting blaze engulfed the aircraft and spread to nearby structures.
The airport, home to UPS Worldport, experienced a temporary closure following the crash, leading to disruptions in the supply chain and potential shipping delays. While UPS did not disclose specifics about the cargo onboard, it anticipates clearing the backlog before the upcoming busy Christmas season.
Professor Tom Goldsby of the University of Tennessee stressed the urgency in resolving the crisis while ensuring thorough investigation and resolution of the current challenges.